Police investigating missing funds from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s riding association
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said he was notified on Monday evening that funds had been allegedly stolen from the Pictou East Riding Association. Houston has represented the Pictou East Riding as an MLA since 2013.
Houston said the exact amount of the missing funds is “unknown at this time” but he notified New Glasgow Police of the incident and confirmed there was an investigation underway.
Houston held a press conference Wednesday to announce the investigation into the missing funds. He said money from the riding association’s bank account was withdrawn without authorization.
“Immediately on Monday the matter was reported and the individual to the local police,” said Houston.
“I can’t even begin to explain the incredible level of betrayal that I feel and that my riding executive feels about this matter. I have a wide range of emotions as you can imagine,” said Houston.
“Of course I’m angry. I’m sad, I’m hurt but most of all I’m just really devastated for the volunteers for the association who works [sic] so hard on behalf of the association on behalf of myself the party.”
Elections Nova Scotia was notified of the missing funds on Tuesday. A notice was sent out to party members Wednesday to notify them of the investigation.
Houston said police urged him to limit the amount of information he provided the media to protect the investigation.
“We want the truth and we want accountability and we want answers to the questions,” said Houston. "The investigation must run its course."
Houston stressed the party is seeking truth and accountability but wouldn’t give a dollar figure except to say that it was in the thousands.
“This is someone that’s been known to me for a long time,” said Houston.
Houston said it's a small group of volunteers in the riding association that would have access to the bank account.
New Glasgow Regional Police confirmed Monday that they received reports that money has gone missing from the Pictou East Riding Association.
Police said they have referred the case to their major crimes unit who are conducting a fraud investigation.
“They are only in the early and preliminary stages of the investigation at the point in time, with officers gathering information and evidence,” said Const. Ken MacDonald, public information officer with New Glasgow Regional Police.
No arrests have been made at this time.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, who helped the provincial NDP return to power after 16 years on the sidelines, has died.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
What consumers need to know if Canada Post workers strike ahead of a busy holiday season
Canada's postal workers could walk off the job or the company could lock them out as soon as 12:01 a.m. ET Friday if the union and the company don't reach an agreement. Here are tips for shoppers and businesses.
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who contracted Canada’s first-ever human case of avian influenza is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Bev Priestman out at Canada Soccer in wake of Olympic drone-spying scandal
Bev Priestman is out as coach of the Canadian women's soccer team in the wake of an independent report into the Olympic drone-spying scandal.
Ottawa high school principal apologizes for song played during Remembrance Day assembly
The principal of an Ottawa high school is apologizing to students, parents and guardians after an Arabic-language song was played during the school's Remembrance Day service. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is conducting a "thorough investigation" to ensure it "is addressed appropriately and meaningfully."
Black market butter: What's behind the recent string of dairy thefts?
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
Feds move to end work stoppages at ports, order binding arbitration
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says he is intervening to end the work stoppages at ports in both British Columbia and Montreal.
23 arrested after at least 100 shots fired in exchange of gunfire outside Toronto recording studio: police
Police say 23 people are in custody after at least 100 shots were fired in an exchange of gunfire outside a West Queen West recording studio on Monday night.